Clasp for bracelets, straps, linkages, or the like



Dem 27, 1932. C, H KESTENMAN 1,892,281

CLASP FOR BRACELETS, STRAPS, LINKAGESY, OR THE LIKE Filed Aug. 4, 1931Patented Dec. 27, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CHARLES H.KES'I'ENMAN, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOR 'I0 KESTENMAN BROS.MFG. CO., OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, A CORPORATION OF RHODE ISLANDCLASP FOR BRACELETS, STRAPS, LINKAGES, OR THE LIKE Application ledAugust 4, 1931.

This invention relates to improvements in clasps or fastening-devicesfor connecting the ends of wrist-watch straps, bands, bracelets andother linkages.

One object of the invention is to provide a clasp or fasteninmdevice ofsimple construction which eifects a secure joinder of the ends of thelinkage or bracelet, and which is proof against unwarranted oraccidental imfastening.

Another object of the invention is to provide a clasping-device of thetype specified having means for resiliently holding one end of the bandor linkage whereby it may slide longitudinally therein to provide foreXpansion in the length of the bracelet, strap or other article in whichit is incorporated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a clasping-device of thetype specified 'i having means for releasably securing the opposite endof the linkage or bracelet, whereby it may be disconnected to permitplacing t-he bracelet on or removing it from the wrist.

Another object of the invention is to provide a. clasp of the typespecified which may be manufactured from sheet-metal parts struck up indies and assembled with a minimum of hand operations.

Another object of the invention is to provide a clasp of the typespecified wherein the mechanical elements are concealed from view andall unsightly joints or obtrusive projections eliminated.

Further objects of the improvement are set forth in the followingspecification which describes a preferred embodiment of the invention,by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawing'. In thedra-wing:

Fig. l is a perspective view representing the ends of a, bracelet orlinkage secured together by means of the present improvedclaspingdevice;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the same showing the parts in closedor clasped rela tionship, and illustrating the manner in which thebracelet or other linkage is contracted to normal length;

Fig. 3 is an edge view of the same;

Fig. l is a similar edge view illustrating the manner in which the endlink of the brace- Serial No. 555,003.

let slides in the clasp to expand the length of the bracelet or linkageto t the wrist of the wearer;

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing the clasp opened to permitdisconnection of one end of the bracelet or linkage to provide forplacing it on and removing it from the wrist;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 3 andillustrating the slotted formation of one end of the clasp which permitslongitndinal sliding movement of the end link of the bracelet therein;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the clasp taken on line 7-7 of Fig.4 and showing the means for securing the retaining-member within thedevice; and

Fig. 8 is a composite perspective view of theseveral parts of the claspshown in disassembled relationship.

The present improved clasping-device comprises, in general, abase-member; an upper latch-member or cover hinged to the basemember atone end and adapted to releasably hold one end of the linkage; a plateor retainer for slidably holding the opposite end of the linkage in theclasp; and a spring held in place by the retainer in engagement with theend link of the bracelet to permit a sliding movement thereof wherebythe bracelet may be expanded in length.

Referring to the drawing, Fig. l illustrates two sections 2 and 3 of aso-called slave bracelet which may be worn as an ornament or attached toa wrist-watch. The bracelet proper may comprise a suitable number ofrectangular main links 4 connected by smaller loop-like links 5 foldedaround the adjoining end-bars 6 of the main links. Referring to Figs. 2and 3 of the drawing, the end-bars 6 of the links are recessed at thetop, being of less thickness than the side-bars 4 and preferably squarein cross-section. The end link of the section 2 of the bracelet isslightly diiferent in form from the other links, being constructed withreduced ilanges or fins 7 proj ecting inwardly from its side-bars and ofthe same thickness as the end-bars 6. While only one style of linkage isherein shown and described, it is to be understood that the presentimproved clasp is adapted for use with chains and bracelets of othertypes having end links provided with cross-members. The presentinvention is therefore not to be considered as limited as regards thetype of bracelet with which it is used.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 8, the basemember 10 of the clasp may beconstructed from sheet stock, being constituted by a flat bottom-platewith a pair of opposite ears 11 bent up from its sides at one end. Theears 11 are perforated with circular holes for receiving a hinge-pin 18on which a` latchingmember 8G, to be later described, is pivoted. rlfheopposite end of the base-member 10 is bent upwardly at right angles andfolded over in spaced` parallel relation with the bottom-plate to form ahook 12. The rightangled portion of the hook 12 is cut away or notchedat its ends to provide spaces or guideways 13 through which the lateraliins or splines 7 of the end link of the bracelet slide in the manner aslater explained.

A second pair of opposite ears 15 are provided at thel sides of thebase-member 10, bein@r spaced slightly apart from the ears 11. Thespa-ces or openings 16 thus pro-vided between the ears 11 and 15 areadapted to receive the end-bar ofthe section 3 of the bracelet'orlinkage. The ears or flanges 15 are punched or indented to formpintle-like projections or protuberances 17 on their inner faces adaptedto engage the hooked end of a retaining-member or plate 2O in the mannerand for the purpose as later more fully eX- 35l plained.

The retaining-member 20, above mentioned, is constructed as asheet-metal plate having at one end al downwardlyT projecting n flangeor leg 21 bent at right angles to its main portion. The ends of the leg21 are spaced away from the lateral edges of the plate 20 at 22 toprovide a clearance for the side-fins 7 of the end link which slide inthe openings 13 in the hook 12 of the base-member 10. At its oppositeend the retaining-member 2O is bent downwardly and curled around to forma semi-circular hook 23, the ends of which are spaced inwardly from thelateral edges of the plate to form shoulders 2e. The ends of the hook 23are adapted to snap over they rounded protuberances 17 on the basemember10 in the manner as illustrated in Fig. 7 and later more fullyexplained.

To resiliently secure the end of the bracelet-section 2 in theclasping-device, the crossbar G of its end link is placed across thebottom portion of the base-member 1() at the rear of the hook 12. rlfheretaining-member 2() is next placed thereover with its leg or abutment21 positioned under the hook 12 on the base-member 10 as shown mostclearly inF ig. 3. The rearward hooked end 22 of the member 2O is tiltedor canted upwardly to permit the insertion of a flat, wire spring 25,shown in detail in Fig. 8, thereunder; the

spring being compressed between the leg 21 oi the member 20 and thecross-bar 6 of the end link of the bracelet-section 2. The

hooked end of the member 2O is then pressed downwardly into position tosnap into engagement with the projections 17 on the ears 15 of thebase-member 10. The projections 1? being thus entered into the endportions of the hook 23 connect thetwo cooperating parts of the clasptogether with the spring 25 confined therebetween. It will be observedby re'ference to Fig. 2 that the hooked end 23 of the member 2() fitssnugly between the ears 15 on the sides of the base-member 10 to preventits lateral displacement, while the hook 12 on the member 10 holds itagainst the pressure of the spring 25 and also prevents it from lifting.As shownv in Fig. 3, the shoulders 2l on the edges of the member 2Oengage with the edges of the ears 15 to prevent the rearwardlongitudinal movement of the member 20 on the basemember 10.

lReferring now to Fig. 6, it will be observed that the fins or splines 7on the inside of the end link of the bracelet-section 2 are slidable inthe spaces or guideways 13 and 22 provided at the end of the members 10and 2() to prev-ent the link from rocking or canting in the clasp. Thespring 25, which is of substantially rectangular cross-section, is heldagainst lateral displacement by the edges of the fins of the end linkwhich straddle the sides of the clasp, see Figs. 2 and 6. The tension ofthe spring 25 thus tends to normally maintain the end link withdrawnwithin the clasp with its end cross-bar 6 bearing against the edges ofthe ears 15 which serve as stops therefor, see Figs. 2 and 3.

To releasably attach the opposite section 3 of the bracelet to the claspa hinged latchmember 30 is provided. Referring particularly to Fig. 8,the latchsmember 30 comprises a sheet-metal top-plate formed at one endwith a curled over cylindrical bearing 31 through which the hinge-pin 18extends to pivotaily connectthis member to the ears 11 at the end of thebase-member 10. The opposite end of the member 30 is bent downwardly toform a curved detent-lip or latch 35 adapted to snap over the hook 12 atthe end of the member 10 as the parts are folded into closedrelationship; it being understood that the end cross-bar 6 of thebracelet-section 3 is positioned within the openings 16 between the ears11 and 15. The bottom curved lip of the catch 35 is adapted to engageunder the similarly rounded bottom of the hook 12 of the member 10seeFigs. 8 and Ll, to hold the members in clasped relationship while beingreadily releasable therefrom to open the clasp. To facilitate the manualoperation of opening the clasp, a lip or projection 36 is formed on themember 30 to permit the insertion of the fingernail thereunder inlifting the latch-member 30 upward. The projection 36 may be formed bypunching or extruding the stock outwardly as shown most clearly in Fig.5.

eferring to Figs. 2 and 8, the ends of the bearing portion 31 of themember 30 are spaced inwardly from the edges of the member 30 to provideshoulders or stops 39 which are adapted to strike against the edges ofthe hinge-ears 11 of the base-member 10 as the member 30 is swungupwardly to limit its movement in this direction, see Fig. 5.

The clasp is designed to operate in the manner as next set forth: Thebracelet-section 2 is attached to the clasp in the manner ashereinbefore explained with the spring 25 acting to hold the end link ofthe section 2 retracted within the `base-member lO with its end-bar 6engaging against the ears 15. To clasp the bracelet around the wrist thelatch-member 30 is first turned on its pivot 18 to a vertical positionas illustrated in Fig. 5. `The end link of the bracelet-section 3 isthen placed over the member 30 and its crossbar 6 engaged in the notches16, after which the member 30 is folded down over the basemember 10 andthe member 20 in the manner as illustrated in Fig. et. A slight pressureof the fingers will snap the latch 35 under the end of the hook 12 onthe base-member l0 to yieldably engage therewith, see Figs. l. 2, 3 andet, whereby to hold the parts of the clasp in closed relationship.

It will be observed that in addition to holding the bracelet-section 3attached to the clasp, the latch-member 3() acts as a cover to concealthe mechanical elements of the device. Itis also to be noted that therelatively wide latch-end 35 of the member 30 affords a long engagingsurface with the hook 12 to insure greater security and a more positiveclasping of the parts, whereby to guard again-st side-play or distortionthereof and unwarranted or accident-al unfastening of the clasp.

Referring' to Figs. 2 and 3, the end link of the bracelet-section 2 isnormally maintained in retracted relationship with its end-bar 6engaging against they ears or flanges 15. `When the bracelet is appliedto the wrist by securing the opposite section 3 within the clasp the endlink of the section 2 is drawn outwardly to expand the length of thebracelet in the manner as illustrated in F el. This expansion may takeplace when the ends of the bracelet are being connected together so asto render the clasping operation more convenient to perform. After theends are clasped the sliding of the end link in the clasp under theaction of the spring 25 causes the bracelet to be fitted snugly to thewrist. Moreover. the resilient means for retaining one end of thebracelet in the clasp provides a certain amount of adjustment in thelength of the whole bracelet to adapt it to lit wrists of differentsizes.

To remove the bracelet from the wrist it is only necessary to insert thefingernail under the lip 35 on the end of the latch-member 30 to releasethe latch 35 from the hooked end 12 of the base-member 10 as shown inFig. 5. The member 30 can then be swung upwardly to allow the end linkof the bracelet-section 3 to be removed from the notches 16 in thebase-member 10 by lifting it off over the end of the member 30. Duringthe disconnection of the section 3 of the linkage from the clasp theopposite section 2 is slidably held within the device by theretaining-member 20.

If it is desired to detach the section 2 of the bracelet from the claspfor any reason the hooked end of the retaining-member 2O is priedupwardly to free the ends of its hook 23 from the protuberances 17 onthe basemember 10. The member 20 may then be removed from the clasp bysliding its end from under the hook 12 on the base-member 10. The spring25 is then removed and the end link of the section 2 may be unclasped bydisengaging it from the hook 12.

It will be observed from the foregoing that one feature of improvementin the present invention consists in an arrangement of theclasping-means whereby each of the sections of the bracelet isindependently clasped within the device. This feature provides that onesection may be resiliently connected to the clasp with its end linkadapted to slide longitudinally thereof. whereby the bracelet or linkagemay be stretched or expanded in length to fit the wrist of the wearer.The opposite section of the bracelet is releasably held in the clasp toadapt it to be disconnected therefrom in removing the bracelet from orapplying it to the wrist.

The present invention provides an eXtremely simple yet ellicient devicefor the purpose specified. with the parts constructed from sheet-metalstampings to render them economical to manufacture. The various elementsof the device may be assembled without the use of solder or screws. thuseliminating all parts liable to become loose and cause shackly ioints.When in closed or clasped relationship the mechanical elements of theclasp are entirely concealed from view beneath the cover or latch-member30. The member 30 may be suitably embossed, engraved or otherwiseornamented on its face to enhance the artistic appearance of the wholearticle.

While I have herein shown and described a preferred form of constructionof the im n'oved clasp. it is to be understood that vari- ,ousmodifications mav be made in the design and arrangement of its partswithout departing' from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore.without vlimiting myself in this respect. I claim:

l. In a clasp for connecting the end links of al chain or linkage, thecombination of a base-member across which one end link is adapted torest, a spring held on the basemember engaging the cross-bar oi' saidend link of the linkage to retract it within the clasp, means releasablyattached to the basemembor to retain the spring in place thereon, and alatch-member hinged to the base-member to adapt it to engage through theopposite end link of the linkage and provided With means to latch withthe base-member to hold neath the retaining-member engaging thel end-barol said link to retract the latter Withm the clasp, and a latch-memberpivoted to the base-member to adapt 1t to engage through the oppositeend link of the linkage and toclose don'n over the base-member t0 securethe ends orf` the linkage in conneyted relationship.

2l. A, clasp of the type specified comprising a base-member having ahook at one end, a retaining-member mounted on the base-member with oneend held beneath the hook thereof, releasable means on the base-memberfor engaging the opposite end of the retainingmemb -r, a spring heldbetween the retaininginember and the base-member in position to engagethe end-bar of a link overlying` the base-member, and a latch-memberpivoted on the base-member to adapt it to close down across the top ofthe retaining-member.

l. ln a clasp for connecting the end links of a chain or bracelet, thecombination of a basemember having a relativelyT iat bottom-plate and ahook at one` end having a portion overlying its bottom-plate, a springheld beneath the overlying portion. of the hook to adapt it to enga thecross-bar of the end link of the chain extending across the base-member,means tor retaining the spring in position on the base-member, and alatch-inen'iber hinged to the base-member and provided with means forreleasably engaging the end thereoic to secnre the parts in connect-edrelationship.

ln a clasp for connecting the end links j et a chain or bracelet, thecombination cfa base-member having a relatively 'flat bottomplate Withan opstanding hook at one end tbereoi and lateral ears at its oppositeend, a re a lining-member overlying the bottoni-plate oi the base andheld beneath its hook to adapt the end link oi' the bracelet to beslidably received therebetween, a spring held between theretaining-member and the bottom-plate ot the base-member to adapt it toact against the end link to slide the latter en the basemember, and alatch-member hinged to the ears at the end or the base-member and havinglatching means at its opposite end adapted to engage over the hook onthe base-inember.

(i. ln a clasp for connecting the end links oi' a linkage or bracelet,the combination of a base-member 'formed with a hook at one end and earsat its sides, said ears provided with projections on their inner faces,a retainingmember overlying the base-member with one et its ends heldbeneath the hook thereof, said member formed with openings at itsopposite end adapt-ed to receive the projections on the ears of thebase-member, a spring held beneath the retaininO-member in position toage the end-bar of an end link ot the linka e overlying the base-member,and a latchmember pivoted to the base-member to adapt it to engage theend link at the opposite end of the linkage and to close down across the'top of the retaining-member.

7. ln clasp for connecting the end links chain or bracelet, thecombination of a bise-member having a iiat hook at one end and pairs oilateral ears at its opposite end, As of one pair having projections ontheir inner sides, a retaining-member comprising a substantially flatplate having a leg portion engaging beneath the hook Von the base-memberand a hook-like portion at its opposite end. adapted to snap over theprojections on the ears of the base-member, and a latch-member hinged tothe second pair of s on the base-member and provided. With means at itsopposite end for releasably engaging the hooked end of said member.

8. ln a clasp for connecting the end links of a chain or bracelet, thecombination of a sheet-metal base-member comprising a substantially flatbottom-plate with a hook at oneend and pairs of lateral ears at itsopposite end, one pair oit ears having protuberances projecting inwardlytherefrom and the other pair of ears perforated with openings, aretaining-member comprising a flat plate having one end bent into a hookto adapt its lateral edges to engage the projections on the ears of thebase-member and its opposite end folded downwardly in a leg adapted tobe received nnder the hook oli the base-member to support theretaining-member in parallel spaced relation with respect to thebottomplate ot the base-member, a relatively flat coiled springl heldbetween the retainingmember and the bottom-plate of the basemember toadapt it to engage the end link of the bracelet placed across thebase-member beneath the retaining-member, a pin extendthrongh theperforations in the second pair oi" ears on the base-member, and alatchnieniber con'iprising a tat top-plate having a cylindrical bentportion at one end surrounding the pin and a latch at the opposite endadapted to engage over the hook on the basemember.

9. In a clasp for connecting the end links of a chain or bracelet, thecombination of a base-member, a retaining-member on the basemember inoverlying spaced relation thereto, snap-engaging means for releasablyattaching the retaining-member to the base-member, and resilient meansheld between the retaining-member and base-member for engaging the endlink of the bracelet to normally maintain it in retracted relationshipwithin the clasp.

10. A clasp for the purpose specified comprising a base-member having a.hooked end, a retaining-member provided with a depending leg at one endpositioned within the hook on the base-member and releasably securedthereto at its opposite end, and resilient means held between theretaining-member and the base-member to act on the end link of thebracelet to normally maintain it retracted within the clasp whilepermitting longitudinal sliding movement thereof.

ll. A clasp of the type specified comprising a base-member adapted toreceive the end link of a bracelet, a retaining-member having anabutment, snap-engaging means on the retaining-member and base-memberfor releasably securing them together, and resilient means positionedbetween the abutmentand the end link of the bracelet to act on said linkto normally maintain it retracted within the clasp while permittinglongitudinal sliding movement of the end link whereby the bracelet maybe expanded in length.

12. A clasp for the purpose specified comprising a base-member havingmeans at one end for receiving one end of a linkage, a retaining-member,means for removably securing the retaining-member to the base-member tohold the end of the linkage in connection therewith, resilient meansheld by the retaining-member to act against the end link of the linkageto maintain it in contracted relationship within the clasp, and alatch-member hinged to the opposite end of the base-member and foldableacross the top of the retaining-member in position to connect theopposite end of the linkage to the clasp.

13. A clasp for the purpose speciied comprising a base-member, aretaining-member removably attached to the base-member to adapt it toretain one end link of a bracelet within the device, resilient meansbetween the base-member and retaining-member for normally maintainingthe end of the bracelet in retracted relationship while permittingsliding movement thereof to adapt the bracelet to expand in length, alatch-member hinged to the base-member and foldable across theretaining-member to attach the opposite end of the bracelet to thedevice, and

latching-means for securing the latch-member in closed relationship.

14. In a clasp for connecting the ends of a linkage having an end linkprovided with splines on its sides, the combination of a basemember forreceiving the end link of the linkage, a retaining-member provided withan abutment, means for connecting the retaining-member with thebase-member, resilient means acting between the abutment and the endlink of the linkage to yieldingly retain the end link within the device,and guideways formed in the sides of the base-member and theretaining-member to receive the splines of the end link whereby thelatter may slide therealong without canting or exing.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aiiix my signature.

CHARLES H. KESTENMAN.

